Chicks face their toughest season

None of the critically endangered hooded plovers eggs or chicks have managed to survive on the beach yet this spring and summer due to predators including foxes and ravens, dogs disturbing nests, and storms resulting in nests being abandoned.

So far this season four hooded plover nests on Bommie and Pockets beaches have been attacked by foxes. 

Further north at Narrawallee five nests have been lost to foxes and ravens, plus a nest and three little chicks were taken at Berrara. 

Ravens also predated a nest at Tabourie and three chicks at Kioloa. 

On top of this strong westerly winds and recent unseasonably cold weather and storms have been causing havoc for birds sitting on their exposed nests on the beach. 

Please give these birds space if you see them, walk down by the shoreline and keep dogs under control,” said National Parks and Wildlife Service shorebirds recovery coordinator Jodie Dunn.

“The birds need to sit on their eggs and feed their chicks. We need your help.”

On a happier note, two endangered pied oystercatcher chicks have started flying at Narrawallee Inlet, and another at Lake Conjola Spit is due to take flight any day. 

There is also a second nesting pair at Conjola with two younger chicks hiding in the fenced area in the dunes, and people are again asked to stay clear so the parents can feed the chicks. 

“We were hoping that the endangered migratory little terns would nest with us again this season, however so far we have only had small groups passing through and staying a few days to dive for fish at the local lake entrances,” Ms Dunn said.

“Conjola and Wollumboola are usually favoured nesting sites, so fingers crossed that the terns start nesting with us soon.”

The South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program is a National Parks and Wildlife Service project working with local community volunteers to monitor and protect endangered beach nesting birds. 

To find out more information or to become a volunteer, contact your local NPWS office on 4454 9500.